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Keeping it real, Black girls tell their own stories in their own style.

As a teen looking at the media depictions of other Black girls, Christen Satchelle realized that she couldn't find any outlets that realistically captured her experiences and those of her peers. She was only seeing, in her words, "barely clad Black girls as attitude-laden hoochies, being all about the `bling' ... More

Keeping it real, Black girls tell their own stories in their own style.

As a teen looking at the media depictions of other Black girls, Christen Satchelle realized that she couldn't find any outlets that realistically captured her experiences and those of her peers. She was only seeing, in her words, "barely clad Black girls as attitude-laden hoochies, being all about the `bling' and what a thug could do for them." But she knew Black girls were more than that.
Working with award-winning adult writer Natasha Tarpley, Christen started to compile an anthology of short fiction, poems, and essays that would feature the many facets of Black girlhood. With contributors hailing from all over the United States and the African diaspora, these stories are honest and courageous, dealing with everything from racial identity to family, sex and relationships, body image, and spirituality. Highlights include "The Basket," a lyrical essay set in Haiti, where the author remembers her grandmother; "A Letter to the System," a fiery poem about a girl who refuses to be held down by the government's chains; and "The Choice," a short story that showcases a teen trying to decide if she's going to become a music video ho in order to earn money for college.
There's also a special section where Black women write words of inspiration for the younger generation. In What I Know Is Me, Black girls will finally see and hear themselves in their own voices, affirming and strengthening the journey they must make from being a girl to being a woman.

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